Regulators give thumbs-up to LNG terminal near Astoria

Federal regulators have given the environmental go-ahead for a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal near Astoria.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission released its environmental impact statement on the controversial Bradwood Landing Project today, saying it had "limited adverse environmental impacts" but set out 110 recommendations it should meet to mitigate its effects.

The LNG terminal would import, store and process supercooled liquefied natural gas for movement through pipelines to points across the country. The backers of the project, Houston-based NorthernStar Natural Gas, need the federal approval to move forward on the $700 million project.

It's one of three proposed LNG terminals in Oregon that has many critics concerned about the need and environmental impact on the state.

Check back for updates on this story later today, or read about it in tomorrow's Oregonian.
-- The Associated Press